Raiders list No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza as backup quarterback
The Las Vegas Raiders placed 2026 first overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza as the second-string quarterback behind Kirk Cousins on their initial depth chart.
The Las Vegas Raiders announced their preliminary 2026 depth chart, naming veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins as the starter and rookie Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, as the backup. Aidan O’Connell, who has started 17 games over three seasons with the team, is listed as the third-string quarterback, while undrafted rookie Jacob Clark from Missouri State occupies the fourth spot. The organization appears to be committing to Cousins as the opening day starter, with no immediate competition from Mendoza. Analysts note that this strategy differs from the recent trend of giving highly drafted quarterbacks early playing time to accelerate their development. The depth chart also raises questions about the Raiders' overall roster strength in the AFC West, a division traditionally dominated by strong teams.